I did not add any nuts or milks because the calcium would inhibit iron absorption.
This has a very fresh taste. It is not a sweet smoothie or a milkshake creamy kind of smoothie. It is perfect for it's intended use. To clean and detoxify. The flavor is mild and refreshing. Below the recipe I have added some key points of the health benefits found in this smoothie.
Breakfast Smoothie
1/2 large cucumber, *peel on
1 cup **organic baby leaf spinach
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 peach, pit removed
Water for consistency
In a blender cup place all ingredients and blend until smooth, adding water as needed. Enjoy!
*Only if you grew it or it is organic. DO NOT eat the skins of cucumbers from the regular produce section of your store. See article here http://www.ehow.com/info_8689617_peel-not-peel-cucumbers.html
**One of the top 12 of non organic foods to avoid according to this article http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?dbid=43&tname=foodspice
I started with a Cucumber right out of my garden. I wanted it to help keep my fever down. Cucumbers have a cooling effect on the body. Even if you pull them right out of the hot sun in the garden.
"Cucumbers have mild diuretic property, which perhaps attributed to their free-water, and potassium and low sodium content." -from http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cucumber.html
"During summers, cucumbers help to normalize body temperature." -from http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-cucumber.html
The diuretic property is helpful when trying to flush out your system. Also the cooling effect when you feel feverish.
Then I added some organic baby leaf Spinach.
"Neoxanthin and violaxanthin are two anti-inflammatory epoxyxanthophylls that play an important role in regulation of inflammation and are present in unusual amounts in spinach.
The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
One cup of spinach contains over 337% of the RDA of vitamin A that not only protects and strengthens "entry points" into the human body, such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, but is also a key component of lymphocytes (or white blood cells) that fight infection." -from http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/11-health-benefits-of-spinach.html
I pulled out of the freezer a bag of Blueberries and poured a bunch in.
"The highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit: Blue Berries, being very rich in anti-oxidants like Anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper (a very effective immune builder and anti-bacterial), selenium, zinc, iron (promotes immunity by raising haemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood) etc. boost up your immune system and prevent infections. Once your immunity is strong, you won’t catch colds, fever, pox and all such nasty viral and bacterial communicable diseases.
Constipation & Digestion: While roughage (fiber) in Blue Berries keep away constipation (Of course, a single piece alone will not do. You need to eat a big handful of them), the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose and acids improve digestion.
They keep you fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good anti-depressants. You also need not spend a lot on medicines, neither are there any side effects. Remember, the deeper the color of the Blue Berries, the more they are rich in anti oxidants and other medicinal values." -from http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm
I finally added a Peach for flavor and found that it also added to the detoxifying affect.
"Peaches have been found to be beneficial for individuals suffering from the following ailments:
- Acidosis
- Anemia
- Asthma
- Bladder and Kidney Stones
- Bronchitis
- Constipation
- Dry Cough
- Gastritis
- High Blood Pressure
- Nephritis
- Poor Digestion"
As you can see this smoothie is a great way to fight off my cold. If you do a little more reading at the web pages linked in this post you will find this smoothie is great for more than just a cold. Cancer, arthritis, blood sugar, blood pressure are all listed in the health benefits of these four foods. Maybe make this a once a week breakfast or a cool off afternoon break food.
Check out these other great articles on the foods listed above.
Spinach:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/2700-facts-health-benefits-spinach/
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?dbid=43&tname=foodspice
Blueberries:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8
Peaches:
http://healthfood-guide.com/HealthBenefitsOfPeaches.aspx
